It is a real pleasure to meet the people who come here from all over the world. Whether they are coming to a retreat or staying here on their travels. Warm connections are often made and reading guests' happy reviews in the visitors' book makes my day. Across from the cottage is the retreat centre where I live and work. I'm a buddhist, though not a very austere one. It's an easy-going, inviting sort of place. Enjoying great food with friends a delight for me, so if you want good restaurant recommendations, I'm your gal. As a Cordon Bleu trained cook, I sometimes have foodie/music events here or cater for groups and guests. My speciality is careful attention to special dietary needs, however unusual. The arts are meaningful for me too, as I used to be a painter. These days though, running the retreat centre keeps me out of most mischief.

The village is ancient and beautiful, with many old stone houses, a fabulous pub and friendly people. It is situated at the edge of the Cranborne Chase, the UK's largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which you can see from the cottage. The larger village of Tisbury is 5 minutes drive away and has good everyday shops including a supermarket, butcher, deli, booze shop, chemist, florist, cafe, gym and more as well as a world-class art venue at Messums Wiltshire. Wardour Castle is 5 minutes away. They filmed Robin Hood Prince of Thieves there and it is the ultimate, romantic ruin by a lake! Shaftesbury is 15 minutes away, with a larger supermarket, restaurants, and quirky shops and cozy buildings. The city of Salisbury is half an hour away, with its magnificent cathedral and wider choice of amenities. Stonehenge is 20-30 minutes away and we can help organise your visit there or to Avebury Stone Circle, which is about an hour away. Bath, Bristol, Southampton and Bournemouth are all within an hour, as is the World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast. All in all, Swallow Cottage is centrally located to enjoy a vast array of good things! Please visit.